Shawn McKay's Obituary
Huntersville-Shawn Joseph McKay II
November 20, 2002-April 25, 2016
In this world there are some who are considered heroes, there are some who are warriors, there are the brave and strong. On April 25, this world lost one who embodied all of these traits. Shawn Joseph McKay II, 13 of Huntersville, lost his 3 month battle with a very aggressive brain tumor surrounded by family at his home. He never once complained. He remained the polite, gentle and loving soul he always has been. As it always was with Shawn, he had the welfare of others ahead of his own. In the hospital, following 4 surgeries in the first week, he decided he wanted pizza and Krispy Kreme doughnuts. As his grandfather was leaving to go to pickup his request, Shawn told him to get 5 pizzas and several dozen doughnuts. When he was told he couldn’t possibly eat that much, he said “Oh, it’s not for me. There are others here who need some.” The goodies were bought and Shawn proceeded to offer every nurse, every doctor, every visitor a piece of pizza and a doughnut. This was so very typical of Shawn. He was known throughout the neighborhood as a very aggressive and successful salesman for various fund raising events. His involvement through vacation bible school and Awana at Hopewell Baptist Church lead to his decision to be baptized and introduced his family to a very caring and loving group of men, women and children. The church family, neighbors and friends were so very helpful with their prayers, food and whatever else the family needed during this time. Shawn’s life, though short, will leave a lasting impression to anyone who came in contact with him.
Shawn was born on November 20, 2002 in Mooresville. He was a student in the 7th grade at Bailey Middle School. Preceding Shawn in death is maternal great-grandmother, Maxine Duggins Joyce of Kernersville, paternal grandmother Julia Lee Dupierre, of Fayetteville and step-grandmother Mary LeJeune of Statesville. He leaves behind to cherish his memories his loving mother, Lindsay Joyce Wade of Huntersville, a dear brother Junior Wade of the home, father Shawn J. McKay I, wife Danielle and brother David Isaiah of Fayetteville, grandparents Michael and Pamela Joyce of Huntersville, great-grandparents Gene and Mildred Collins, Donald Joyce, all of Kernersville, an uncle Eric Joyce and wife Heather of Charlotte, aunt Charlotte McKay of Fayetteville, uncle Jimmie Reaves of Fayetteville; step-father, Walter Wade and very special friends Daniel Gantt, daughter, Haley, son Jacob of Huntersville. Also, a host of great aunts and uncles, cousins too numerous to mention. The family would like to in particular thank the loving support of Jamie Osborn for always being there before we knew we needed her, making sure all of the family’s needs were taken care of. Our thanks to Dalton Wood and family for fund raising efforts for Shawn, for Pastor Sammy Pierce and the church family of Hopewell Baptist Church, all of the neighbors and friends of the community who offer so much love, caring and support, Shawn’s teachers, administrators and classmates from both Bailey and Huntersville Elementary whose concerns, visits and support prove what an affect Shawn had on all of them. Thanks to the care givers of Hospice, Cindy Jo and Lynda Gibbs, who made dealing with Shawn’s illness so much easier, and to all at Levine Children’s Hospital for all their care.
Funeral services for Shawn will be held at 11 AM Thursday, April 28 at Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Pastor Sammy Pierce officiating. We ask that anyone attending the service who has one of the red Shawn Strong shirts to wear them to the service. Interment will be at Sedge Garden United Methodist Church in Kernersville.
The family will visit with friends at James Funeral Home from 5-7 PM Wednesday, April 27. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Shawn’s memory to Hospice of Charlotte (KidsPath), 1420 E 7th St. Charlotte, NC 28204.
Arrangements are entrusted to James Funeral Home of Huntersvillle.
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